The software that I use for audio playback under windows still isn't recommending Vista. There are all kinds of issues with drivers for audio cards and things like that.

If you are trying to choose between Vista and XP, try this flow chart (PDF): [link]

(It is a bit of humor with a serious point: if you have a choice, just say "no" to Vista.)

There are all kinds of issues with drivers for audio cards and things like that.

Oh yeah - another big reason to stay away from Vista. Although on a new machine I suppose it would at least have drivers for every bit of hardware on that machine....

On top of the nasty DRM issues that Tommy mentioned, there's also the whole "Windows Genuine Advantage" set up that treats legitimate users as potential criminals. In XP, if something goes wrong with the system, like, say, the WGA licensing servers go down, you get an annoying message. In Vista, the WGA starts disabling stuff if it can't phone home.

Also, Service Pack 1 for Vista isn't due out until some time next year.

Quick question - recommendations for Windows (XP) packet sniffer? Preferably free....

Try here [link] They have links to a lot of free security and hacking tools.

So does Vista require a persistent internet connection? If so then it's a total deal breaker for me. Most of the machines I build and install are intentionally kept off the net. Shows running sounds are touring or in installations where nothing about the system will change for years at a time.

ND, I have never heard about that. My machine with Vista is connected to the internet at some point every day, but it isn't constant. I don't know about the frequent system updates - probably need an internet connection for those...

So does Vista require a persistent internet connection?

I don't think it does, but if it is connected, it phones home every so often, as well as when you try to access updates.

eta: As le n points out, you couldn't run Vista on a laptop for very long if it did.

NoiseDesign, what I hear everywhere is if you want a copy of vista to play with so you are already used to it when the day comes you can't get by without it buy a copy for a spare machine running non-critical applications. Don't put it on machines important to your business or your personal life. And even when the first patches come out, there will still be too many driver and annoying DRM. Wait as long as possible so as much of the annoying stuff is gone when you use it. Get XP. A reasonable vendor ought to make it available at the same price as VISTA. But if you have to buy a brand that charges extra for XP, consider it a cost of doing business with that brand and get XP. I know some people have bought in new machines and not had problems. But there are overwhelming tales of disaster about even for people who got it bundled with new machines.